Parking limited at home business

A man who owns a home business is being allowed to hire an apprentice, but the Los Banos Planning Commission amended his permit this week to make sure it will not result in extra cars in his neighborhood.

Anthony Gomes, who operates an electrical service that bears his name in the 2000 block of Princeton Court, in October requested that the commission rewrite a city ordinance to allow him to have an employee. The commission complied.

On Wednesday, Gomes requested a use permit to hire an apprentice. City staff found it necessary to ask commissioners to add a parking restriction to the permit.

"The previous approval allowed for one employee. In that situation the employee would come over, park their vehicle and go over to the job site," Community Development Director Paula Fitzgerald said.

Fitzgerald said the amendment forbids parking more than one employee's vehicle at the residence. Gomes has reportedly agreed to pick up the apprentice and drive to job sites.

Commissioner Vern Hixson asked if the board would have to approve an amendment every time Gomes adds an employee. Fitzgerald said no, because the parking restriction would apply to all future employees.

Commission Chairwoman Tracey Rosin asked if the amendment would apply to all home businesses. Fitzgerald said it would not because conditions are placed on use permits individually.

Commissioners approved the amendment 4-0.

Commisioners Deborah Lewis, Chandra Lee and Tom Mello were absent.

Rosin thanked Gomes for growing his business in a controlled manner and providing jobs for residents.

Commissioner Arkady Faktorovich said he likes to see businesses grow within the framework of the law.

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